Four (4) wireless connections are supported, they can be either dongle or BLE. So you can use 4 dongles if you want.
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The firmware of the keyboard and dongle will be open source, so you can make it compatible with any peripheral that you like.
The current prototype of the firmware uses BLE between the dongle and keyboard but we are testing lower latency 2.4G protocols.
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Yes, I’m adding it. It’s not in main yet.
That’s a limitation of the keyboard matrix.
The matrix on this keyboard and Laptop 12 is taken from modern chromebooks.
It’s a matrix that’s compatible with Chromebooks and Linux/Windows laptops.
When we did the Laptop 13 chromebook it had to have a separate keyboard - we want to make it easier to have a single type of keyboard hardware if we ever did a Laptop 12 chromebook.
This matrix is optimized to have good rollover for many common scenarios. Unfortunately some multi-key combinations used for gaming don’t work.
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Neat I may yoink that if I ever revisit mine.
Yeah giving capslock it’s own column definitely screams chromeos but I feel like this could still have been done better.
So you actually commissioned the keyboards like that on purpose and didn’t just get a great deal on some existing ones or at least an existing product line? (That was my plausible explanation for using a matrix that flawed).
Especially since with the 12 there is the controller on the keyboard which makes having different matrices way easier, dooming all the non chromeos customers to that matrix for making a potential chromeos version that may not even happen slightly easier seems like a bit of an extreme choice.
I appreciate the transparency though.
I’m sorry, but it’s not just some gaming combinations, it’s the single most used combo in pretty much all first and third person games. How framework saw still using this as a good idea for the 12 and future keyboards is beyond comprehension.
To be honest, this is a devastating choice for many of us. It relegates this keyboard as only useful as a backup for my tv connected devices to fix things up before I actually use the machines (think logging into an account, or setting the audio output before I pick up a controller or real keyboard/mouse to do some gaming).
The 12 keyboard, and I guess this new one, effectively have 2-key rollover. I found that out pretty fast on my 12 keyboard without even trying to game on it yet.
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Watching that video the keyboard is not what piqued my interest. I already own a bunch of ThinkPad keyboards that suit my use case much better than anything else ever could, at least not without gaining pointing stick and a layout that doesn’t rely on Fn+ gymnastics for keys like PgUp/PgDn/Home/End/Insert and has proper grouping of function keys. But I would gladly buy several of those USB-A expansion modules to use my ThinkPad keyboards via wireless USB instead of Bluetooth.
I would also gladly buy the same for recessed USB-C port too, as the latest Logitech mice now finally come with USB-C Bolt dongle instead of USB-A. Then there are USB-C Nano YubiKey and similar cryptographic tokens that could be plugged (semi-)flush into such recessed USB-C ports. So at least just for myself I’d be looking at getting at least nine such recessed port expansion cards across my fleet.
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I am extremely interested in this keyboard product, and could see myself ordering anywhere from 3 to 5 of them for the store I manage. I run an entertainment center with an arcade, and half of the machines are basically just operated by computers.
My question: will those USB A dongles be a separate product that we can buy, and can we pair 4 of those to one keyboard? I couldn’t gather whether it was 1 dongle or 4 bluetooth connections, or any mix of the 2. It’s not the end of the world if I have to buy bluetooth adapters, but I FAR prefer an RF receiver, and would love to just buy it from Framework.
Eagerly awaiting this product. I’m currently using those Logitech pebble keyboards (not the one the CEO keeps referring to as “the only one that anyone uses”), but it’s not great. I had started buying tiny little handheld keyboards but those are junk and only good for extremely limited input.
As there are LEDs on it, they could flash whatever the current code they are displaying when the batteries get low. If the flash is something like 10% (200ms every 2 seconds say) then when the battery is low you also get a little power saving with the LEDs not being solid on.
By setting the tide mark for sensing the battery capacity at an appropriate level, this could mean there is enough time to even buy a new set if using non-rechargables.
I assume it would make layouts needlessly complicated and wouldn’t be feasible, but I’m left handed. I wonder if it’s feasible to have a (UK) version with the touchpad on the left instead of the right…? Then I wouldn’t be moving my left and back and forth to the touchpad on the right-hand side there. There’s just so little leftie gear out there I hafta ask 
Either way it looks like it might have the ability to pair with multiple devices, which if true makes this a very interesting option for work! Just this 1 available layout option would make it perfect 
Looking forward to it being listed for purchase!
If Framework doesn’t make it, I can see someone in the community creating a 3d-printed left-hand shell, were you swap the components around to have the trackpad on the left. Maybe needing to buy a ffc cable extender or two from someone on tindie, or even a generic one on ebay.
@ Framework Team, please use regular non-notched ffc cables where possible! I know notched cables remove the chance of half inserted cable, but they make sourcing the proper matching parts more complicated and expensive. Whereas non-notched ffc cables, connectors, and even pre-made extenders are easily and cheaply available multiple places, ebay, amazon, aliexpress, etc.
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We do
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Will You have different layouts like you have on all the laptops?
I use multiple languages with custom keyboard layouts, and I’ve been looking for a low profile keyboard that I can get with blank keycaps (ideally clear backlit) so that I can print my own stickers, and there’s just nothing out there.
In case replaceable AA/AAA batteries are still a possibility in the future…
It could be possible to have two sets of batteries installed in the keyboard:
- One set would power the main circuit board and the main functions.
- The other set would be responsible only for the backlight.
This way, we can still use the keyboard even if the backlight has consumed all the battery charge. After all, a dark keyboard is much better than no keyboard.
This is not a new idea. I’ve read that Matias keyboards have separate (non-replaceable) batteries.
Since there have been a number of requests now for AA/AAA batteries. I just want to chime in on the other side. Li-ion, please.
I just don’t understand the desire for AA/AAA batteries. Needing to supply your own batteries and change them out is very much not the best user experience for many people. And if the keyboard had backlight, as most desire, I doubt they’d last for a long time. Li-ions have higher power density for the same weight or space. To me, AA/AAAs have been relegated to devices that use so little power it hardly matters, and / or are made too cheap to spend the tiniest amount to add a battery. Those that aren’t cheap in price, just feel misguided.
Cutting an included battery won’t save enough to be worth downsides. A degraded user experience for many and some number of lost sales from those who don’t like the hassle. I suppose AA/AAAs as an option could work, but having two separate sku’s does increase costs in fulfillment and the design. So neither path is better than just the current plan of an included li-ion, which will be replaceable if needed. If some people really want AA/AAAs it could be in the form of a 3D printed replacement back with a bay for them.
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We can get both, using standardized li-ion format
Most portable electronics like smartphone and laptops use custom formats that aren’t interchangable, for example you can’t install FL12 battery onto an FL13. However for the wireless keyboard we can use a 10440/14500 li-ion cell, which is the same size of an AAA/AA battery. In this way, the user doesn’t need to buy replacement from only Framework and the keyboard can be bought and shipped without a li-ion battery. A single cell doesn’t need a BMS and the overcharge/discharge protection circuit can be built in the keyboard alongside the charging circuit, not on the battery, saving cost on battery cell replacement later. Additionally, one can use the keyboard as a makeshift 10440/14500 charger.
Not worth it imo. Remember that most people are much less technical than some of us here. They just want it to come complete and work. Sourcing your own battery would be terrible annoyance for most people.
Just ship it like people expect, battery included, plug-and-play. If anyone really wants to have something different, they can swap to whatever they wish.
For AAA-size, you mean 10440.
Personally disagree. User-accessable li-ions should all have attached protection. According to manufaturers I believe, as well as just general safe practice. It’s not just overcharge and overdischarge but also short-circuit protection. A cell in a drawer or a pocket coming into contact with conductive objects should be protected against.
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Point taken
Reply edited to correct information
I think this is a misconception. Let me explain my point:
If using Alkaline batteries, indeed users will have to replace them. If using cheap batteries, those are low quality and won’t last long at all. Higher quality batteries can last much longer.
Additionally, there can be a circuit to recharge the NiMH in-place. In this case, these will behave just like Li-Ion batteries (low charge? plug the device and let it charge), with the advantage of having batteries that are easily user-replaceable.
Take a look at KÖLVATTEN round light, KÖLVATTEN light bar, ROLFSTORP light bar, TÅGVIRKE spotlight. All of these require AA (rechargeable) batteries and can recharge them in-place with a USB cable.
Let’s compare:
- Logitech MX Keys has a battery with 3.7V × 1500mAh = 5.55Wh. This keyboard has a backlight and the battery lasts several days (perhaps one or two weeks, depending on how often the backlight decides to light up).
- This Matias keyboard has a 3.7V × 1600mAh = 5.92Wh main battery (claimed to last between 3 and 12 months, depending on the keyboard model) and a 3.7V × 1400mAh = 5.18Wh backlight battery (claimed to last 1 to 2 weeks).
- The IKEA LADDA 1900 AA battery has 1.2V × 1900mAh = 2.28Wh and claims to be recharged up to 1000 times. Two of them will get to 4.56Wh.
- The IKEA LADDA 2450 AA battery has 1.2V × 2450mAh = 2.94Wh and claims to be recharged up to 500 times. Two of them will get to 5.88Wh.
As we can see, two AA batteries provide comparable capacity, and can even surpass the capacity of that Logitech keyboard. They probably take up a bit more space, which is important for devices that need to be extra thin (mobile phones) or extra small (headphones). But I can argue that a keyboard or a mouse has enough space inside to hold such batteries.
In fact, several mice and keyboards from Logitech are powered by AA or AAA batteries, and they last months (without a backlight, though).
And I can confirm that a nightlamp can last between 40 and 80 hours of continuous light on a single charge of two AA batteries.
In conclusion, I believe it is possible to achieve a similar experience to Li-Ion batteries using good high-quality NiMH rechargeable batteries.
But I also understand that many companies don’t want the hassle of angry customers disappointed with their devices because they used low-quality batteries. (And the majority of the battery models for sale are of lower quality, because they are cheaper and sell more.) And I can also imagine most companies would rather sell a new device whenever the battery gets too degraded.
And I’m not an electrical engineer, and I’m not a product designer. There may be something I’m not aware.
Having Li-Ion is not a deal breaker at all. I just wanted to suggest the alternative, and provide evidence that this alternative can be quite good as well.
It’s not just space. Ni-mh, even the best, don’t come anywhere close to li-ion for both energy per volume, and energy per gram of weight. Less than half. Just grabbing wikipedia numbers for ease, 46–120 W⋅h/kg vs 160–300 W⋅h/kg (“Standard” li-ion). You can have comparable capacity using ni-mh AAs, but it’s going to be heavier, and thicker. The CADs show no room for the diameter of AAs. Ikea Ladda AAA at 750mah each would take 7 to 8 to reach 5.5Wh in your comparison. Even Panasonic eneloop “Pro” AAA at 980mah would take 6, and they are not cheap. Always will be heavier, plus annoying to have to buy so many.
The trade-offs just do not feel worth it. Let the keyboard be the best it can be. Lightest, slimmest, best life, easy user experience.
It’s a very legitimate concern I think. Increases friction, opens avenues for a poor experience which doesn’t need to be. “No, no, don’t use the normal cheap batteries which you might like to buy & are just fine for other devices. We recommend Duracell Ultra, Energizer Max, or ideally Panasonic Eneloop Pro.” And heaven forbid someone uses Extra Heavy Duty AAAs. Carbon Zinc batteries still always love to label themselves with that.
Just keep it simple plug-and-play. Framework has said the battery will be replaceable. I presume they will offer them. But most plug-in small li-ion pouch cells use a pretty common connector, we’ll probably be able to use replacements sourced elsewhere if desired. Pouch cells are normally labeled with their size which allows searching.
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You could just program it do disable backlight below some state of charge, gives you the same functionality without the weirdness of having to manage 2 separate batteries and potentially ending up with power for the backlight and not for the keyboard itself.
On the AA/AAA vs rechargeable lithium I am personally a lot more on the rechargeable lithium side. Rechargeable nimh batteries are just kinda meh at best and actively awful at worst and the disposable ones may have decent capacity and low self discharge are well disposable (and can leak).
Edit: wait a minute it doesn’t have backlight in the first place so that whole separate battery thing is kind of a moot point.
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